Ireland’s ODIs have three fresh faces in Afghanistan

The two best spinners Afghanistan has, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, will not be available for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland in the United Arab Emirates.

Mujeeb has been healing from a sprain to his right phalanx. So Rashid is out of the series beginning next week due to back surgery.

As a result, Afghanistan, the show’s hosts, have added three more cast members. The following players could make their debut for their country: right-arm off-spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. Who was a member of the recently ended U19 World Cup 2024; left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Nangyal Kharoti; and right-arm fast Bilal Sami.

“As they continue to heal from their individual injuries, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are not available for selection. But, Nangyal Kharoti and Bilal Sami are home to some of the young people who achieve at the highest levels. During the U19 World Cup, cricketer Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar showcased his exceptional skills. Mujeeb Ur Rahman would have cover from him, according to ACB chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil.

March 7–9 and 12—all three One-Day Internationals—will be held in Sharjah.

SQUAD: Bilal Sami, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran, Farid Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Nangyal Kharoti, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ahmed Nabi, Noor Ahmad, Bilal Sami, and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar.

Zia Ur Rahman Akbar, Shahidullah Kamal, and Qais Ahmad are listed as reserves in addition to the 16-man starting lineup.